Social Security's new in-person identification requirement angers retirees and advocates [View all]

Source: CBS News/AP

Updated on: March 21, 2025 / 9:06 AM EDT


The Social Security Administration's plan to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients while simultaneously closing government offices has sparked a furor among lawmakers, advocacy groups and program recipients who are worried that the government is placing unnecessary barriers in front of an already vulnerable population. The new requirements will impact anyone who needs to verify their bank information with the agency, as well as families with children who receive Social Security benefits and cannot verify a child's information on the SSA website.

They are intended to combat fraud and waste within the system, which President Trump and officials in his administration have claimed are widespread. The agency announced Tuesday that, beginning March 31, those who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency's "my Social Security" online service will be required to visit an agency field office in person to complete the verification process. They also announced recently that Social Security field offices across the country will be closing.

Of the 47 SSA field offices listed for closure on the website for the White House's Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, 26 are slated for closure this year, with some taking effect as early as next month, according to an Associated Press analysis of the data. That change, in addition to the impending closure of field offices across the country, and a plan to reduce the agency workforce with mass layoffs, could result in massive delays to services, advocates say. Nancy LeaMond of the AARP said eliminating phone verification "will result in more headaches and longer wait times to resolve routine customer service needs."

Leamond, the AARP's chief advocacy and engagement officer, said the announcement "not only comes as a total surprise but is on an impractical fast-track." "SSA needs to be transparent about its service changes and seek input from the older Americans who will be affected. Because any delay in Social Security caused by this change can mean real economic hardship," LeaMond said.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/social-security-in-person-identity-requirement-angers-retirees-advocates/